Transgender Day of Visibility
Transgender Day of Visibility (observed annually on March 31) is an international observance founded in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall to celebrate the achievements of transgender and gender non-conforming people and raise awareness of the discrimination they face.
The City of Fairfax has issued a formal mayoral proclamation recognizing the day for at least two consecutive years. On March 25, 2025, Mayor Read presented the proclamation acknowledging March 31, 2025 as Transgender Day of Visibility, with Reverend Emma Chattin of Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia receiving it on behalf of the community. The following year, on March 24, 2026, Mayor Catherine S.
Reed again presented the proclamation — acknowledging March 31, 2026 — to Reverend Emma Chattin, with community members invited to stand in the well of the chamber. The 2026 proclamation text highlighted the City of Fairfax as a center for the Transgender Education Association and its monthly meeting location, affirmed the city's commitment to protecting transgender children and youth, and called upon the community to recognize the inherent value, dignity, and humanity of all residents.
What members have said
- Mayor Catherine S. Reed
On March 24, 2026, Mayor Reed delivered the proclamation text in full, stating that the City of Fairfax is committed to recognizing and supporting transgender, gender non-binary, and gender non-conforming community members, and declaring it incumbent upon all to ensure transgender children and youth 'are protected, celebrated, and allowed to live their lives authentically, shielding them from harm in their own hometown.'
Positions as recorded in meeting minutes; votes without recorded comment aren’t summarized.
History
Filled dots are actions on this topic; open dots are mentions.
- Mar 25, 2025City Council · item 3aProclamation – Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31, 2025
Mayor Read presented a proclamation acknowledging March 31, 2025 as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Fairfax.
- Mar 24, 2026City Council · item 3aPresentation of a proclamation acknowledging March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Fairfax
The Mayor presented a proclamation acknowledging March 31, 2026 as Transgender Day of Visibility in the City of Fairfax to Reverend Emma Chattin of Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia.